A disturbing incident unfolded on an Air France flight from Paris to Toronto when a passenger discovered a significant amount of blood and fecal matter near his seat. International journalist Habib Battah, traveling with his wife and pets, encountered the unsettling scene shortly after takeoff. Initially noticing a strong odor, Battah soon realized the source was not his pets but a blood-soaked area on the carpet beneath their carriers. Upon alerting a flight attendant, he was informed that a passenger on a previous flight had suffered a medical emergency, resulting in the soiling of the seat.

Air France confirmed the incident, stating that a passenger on an earlier Paris to Boston flight had experienced a medical issue. The affected area was reportedly cleaned in Boston, and the row was deemed unavailable for the return flight. However, residual traces remained, leading to the distressing discovery on the subsequent Paris to Toronto flight. Battah claims the crew's response was inadequate, providing him only with gloves, wipes, and water. Unable to change seats due to a full flight, he spent the majority of the journey covered by a thin blanket to avoid direct contact with the contaminated area.

The airline later confirmed the presence of fecal matter as well, further intensifying Battah's disgust. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert, emphasized the biohazard risk associated with such exposure, stressing the need for thorough decontamination to prevent potential infections. While Air France subsequently assured Battah that the blood posed no infectious threat, he expressed dissatisfaction with the airline's handling of the situation, including their initial compensation offer. The incident raises serious questions about airline hygiene protocols and the potential health risks faced by passengers.